Explore the history of Palestinian dress (thobe) and the ancient practice of elaborate hand-embroidery

Tatreez is an ancient practice of elaborate hand-embroidery, and each region of Palestine has its own distinct and identifiable style making embroidery a language as much as a craft. For centuries, a Palestinian woman’s dress (thobe) – its cut, colour, textiles, stitches and motifs – has reflected her life story. Written into garments are signs of youth or grief, marks of motherhood and rural life, as well as the traces of social, political and economic change in Palestine, from the late nineteenth century to the present.

2025 marks 45 years of Dundee’s twin-city relationship with Nablus, Palestine and this exhibition takes the opportunity to spotlight Nabulsi dress and tell the story of the historic connection between Scotland and Palestine, through material from Dundee collections and Palestinian archives.

Thread Memory also features contemporary embroidered dresses (thobes), including newly commissioned looks from Palestinian fashion designers building upon inherited cultural traditions. Works by contemporary artists engaging with tatreez will be exhibited beside traditional dresses on display, accompanied with interviews with Palestinian embroiderers.

Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine is made in partnership with Art Jameel, the Palestinian Museum, V&A South Kensington and V&A Dundee. It is based on an exhibition of the same title that was exhibited at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from January to April 2025.